Statement From Ministers Blaney and Valcourt on Federal Assistance to Evacuate the First Nations Community of Kashechewan Following Flooding

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 11, 2014) - The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, made the following statement today regarding the Province of Ontario's request to the Government of Canada to assist in the evacuation of the First Nations community of Kashechewan, Ontario, which declared a state of emergency due to the rising water levels along the Albany River.

"Our Government works closely with the provinces and territories to assist Canadians when large natural disasters strike. The Government Operations Centre is coordinating the federal government's response to the Province of Ontario's request for assistance in evacuating the residents of Kashechewan. I would like to thank our partners in the Canadian Armed Forces for their assistance in the work we are doing to protect the well-being of the people in these remote communities."

- The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Our Government's priority is the health and safety of all Canadians, that's why we are working closely with provincial emergency management organizations and the leadership of Kashechewan First Nation to ensure that the immediate health and safety needs of the evacuees are met. We will continue working with the First Nation during this challenging time and will expedite their safe return home once the emergency is over."

- The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

The Government Operations Centre, on a 24/7 basis, proactively monitors ongoing events, provides situational awareness and analysis, and leads the necessary planning for a coordinated whole-of-government response to all-hazards events, including flooding. The GOC performs this function in accordance with the Federal Emergency Response Plan, released in March 2010 by Public Safety Canada.